1986 ZL 600
Bike starts easy, idles fairly well and will/can reach 6500rpm with the choke on. When the throttle is rolled up a bit the bike makes a throaty sound and dies. The bowls are clean on the carbs. I've sprayed cleaner through the jets.

Not knowing too much about this stuff, I'm partially inclined to think this is an igniter issue? Could it be a coil issue too? Or is it a clogged primary jet?

Thanks so much for your help.

 

I would pull those carbs and clean them, make sure you can run wire through all the jets. Bike is not getting enough fuel if she has to run with the choke on.

 

^ +1 to what NS mentioned.

 

You're running too lean, that's why it has to be choked in order to run. I'm almost certain you have an air leak somewhere. spray starting fluid around intake boots, air box, and vacuum lines. If you get no change in idle while spraying around, it's time to tear apart the carbs and start inspecting everything.